WATCH: Gilas Pilipinas, Kobe, LeBron and more take Ice Bucket Challenge

 

MANILA, Philippines – Over the past few weeks, some of the most popular athletes, entertainment stars, politicians, businessmen, and private citizens have posted videos of themselves getting dumped by ice cold buckets of water.

This phenomenon, which has been called the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge,” was started to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

The challenge can be done by either going through the process of being dumped by freezing cold water and then challenging three others to do the same after, or donating money to the ALS. Many of the best athletes in the world have done both, and the ALS has stated that they have received around $15.6 million in donations from July 29-August 18. (http://www.alsa.org/news/media/press-releases/ice-bucket-challenge-0818.html)

Besides raising awareness and money for the disease, the Ice Bucket Challenge has also given many fans around the world the opportunity to see their favorite stars freeze to their bones thanks to social media.

Gilas Pilipinas players Marc Pingris, Marcus Douthit and Jared Dillinger have taken the challenge, with Pingris pledging 5,000 pesos to the cause. Teammates Beau Belga, Andray Blatche and June Mar Fajardo were the ones to tip the buckets on them.

Pingris also challenged his San Mig Coffee teammates Joe Devance and Rafi Reavis to take the challenge as well, with Devance responding promptly with his own video. Devance has since challenged Mixer teammates James Yap and PJ Simon, who have 24 hours to complete the dare.

The sweeping social trend has found more than a few willing participants in the NBA, but it isn’t limited to basketball. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki and golfer Michelle Wie have joined LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant in taking the frigid shower for ALS awareness. Here are a few select videos for your enjoyment.

Kobe Bryant

LeBron James

Michelle Wie

Dwyane Wade

Cristiano Ronaldo

Kevin Durant

– Rappler.com